Planting system

ABSTRACT

The combination of a container and a growing medium for a plant. The container is made to simulate the appearance of an egg shell bounding a receptacle. The growing medium is provided in the receptacle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of co-pending application, U.S. Ser.No. 11/143,216, filed Jun. 2, 2005, and hereby claims the prioritythereof to which it is entitled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to planting systems and, more particularly, to aplanting system with a container configured at least partially tosimulate the appearance of an egg shell.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many different plant container configurations have been derived over theyears to appeal to different tastes and for use in differentenvironments. As one example, it is known to use egg shells ascontainers for planting medium, thereby creating an interesting visualeffect.

While the use of egg shells in the above manner potentially creates anappealing visual effect, there are certain drawbacks associated withusing egg shells in this manner.

First, preparation of the egg shell to function as a container is adifficult and delicate operation. The shell is, by its nature, verybrittle. The user must initially fracture the shell and strategicallyremove portions thereof to achieve a desired end shape. During thisprocess, cracks may develop that render the shell useless for itsintended purpose.

Second, the user must dispose of the shell contents. Most commonly, theedible portion of the egg will be discarded, which represents both wasteand an inconvenience.

Third, the user must introduce growing medium into the prepared shell.This, again, is a delicate operation in that even a minimal compactionpressure on the growing medium may cause unwanted cracking of the shell.

Fourth, a drainage hole is generally formed in the egg shell to allowdrainage through the placed growing medium. This may be accomplished asthrough a drill or pick. During the process, the shell is again prone tocracking. Further, the drainage hole provides a stress concentrationfrom which cracks may propagate.

Fifth, the composition of the shell is such that it is prone toabsorbing moisture and chemicals, which may hasten its deterioration. Ina relatively short period of time, the shell may discolor and decomposeto the point that it is no longer functional as a container.Transplanting of the contents thereof to a newly prepared shall may bedifficult or impossible to do.

Sixth, due to the fragile nature of the egg shell, particularly after aportion thereof has been removed, it is difficult to place any type ofaesthetic enhancement thereon. This enhancement may be in the nature ofcoloring, designs, etc. The nature of the egg shell is such that thetype of enhancement possible thereon is quite limited. Further, theremay be a reluctance to invest too much time in enhancing the egg shellwhen it is anticipated that deterioration will occur in such a shorttime frame.

Seventh, while the configuration of the egg shell is aestheticallydesirable, those that are more practically useable as containers forvegetation generally have a limited dimension, on the order of a coupleof inches on the longer dimension of the oval. Consequently, the natureof what can be planted in the egg shell is inherently limited, as is itsmaintenance. The addition of any significant amount of soil and/or plantfood may be difficult or impossible to effect without destroying the eggshell. Consequently, users are not likely to plant vegetation that hasany significant anticipated life span.

Eighth, because of the fragile nature of the egg shells, it is generallyimpractical to package, display, and ship them commercially with orwithout growing medium therein. Consequently, the egg shells aregenerally used as planters at the same location at which they areprepared for planting. Thus, the egg shells have very little commercialvalue in terms of their being offered as a planting component. As aresult, egg shells are generally prepared as planting containers only inschool and craft class environments.

Ideally, egg shells would be useable as planting containers withoutcontending with all of the above limitations and drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, the invention is directed to the combination of a containerand a growing medium for a plant. The container is made to simulate theappearance of an egg shell bounding a receptacle. The growing medium isprovided in the receptacle.

In one form, the container has at least first and second parts that areseparable from each other.

The first part may have an associated base assembly for maintaining thefirst part in an operative orientation wherein the first part defines anupwardly opening cup shape bounding the receptacle.

The base assembly may have a flat surface to bear upon an upwardlyfacing, subjacent surface so as to maintain the first part in theoperative orientation.

In one form, the first part of the container has a jagged edge thatsimulates the appearance of a broken egg shell.

The container receptacle may be covered by a separable barrier layerthat confines the growing medium.

The barrier layer may be defined by a second container part that isselectively separable from the first part.

The first and second container parts may be releasably press fittogether.

In an alternative form, the first and second container parts are joinedthrough a frangible connection that can be fractured to allow separationof the first and second container parts.

The container may have an opening therein to communicate liquid fromwithin the receptacle gravitationally to externally of the receptacle.

The first and second parts may cooperatively define a substantiallyclosed, oval shape that simulates the appearance of an intact egg shell.

In one form, the growing medium consists of soil mixed with a plantgrowth stimulator.

The growing medium may further include plant seed mixed with the soil.

In one form, the container is made at least partially from at least oneof a ceramic material and terra cotta.

In one form, the container has a wall that can be fractured by a user toproduce a jagged edge to simulate a broken egg shell.

The frangible construction of the container wall may be such as to allowthe container wall to be fractured in a predetermined manner.

Alternatively, the container wall may be fractured in differentpredetermined manners as selected by a user to produce a desired endappearance.

In one form, the opening in the container is blocked by a releasableclosure element.

The container may be provided in combination with materials tofacilitate adornment of exposed portions of the container.

In one form, the container has integrally formed adornment thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the invention will become more apparentfrom an embodiment which is now described as an example by the aid ofthe drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container, according to the presentinvention, with a growing medium in which plants are propagating in areceptacle defined by the container.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the container in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an elevation view of the container in FIGS. 1 and 2 whereina releasable barrier layer is provided over the receptacle.

FIG. 4 shows a view as in FIG. 3 of a modified form of container havingparts that can be strategically separated to reconfigure the container.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a connector between containerparts as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a view as in FIGS. 3 and 4 of a further modified form ofcontainer, according to the present invention, and including separableparts to allow reconfiguration of, the container.

FIG. 7 shows a view as in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 of a modified form ofcontainer, according to the present invention, wherein fully surroundedopenings are provided between the top and bottom of the container.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-section view of a wall onthe containers in FIGS. 1 through 7, with adornment integrally formedthereon.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a base assembly on thecontainer shown in FIGS. 1 through 8.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of the containers in FIGS. 1through 9 having an associated illumination source.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a kit including theinventive containers, and adornment materials for changing theappearance of the container, integrated through the use of a package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, one form of container, according the presentinvention, is shown at 10. The container 10 has a wall 12 that is shapedto simulate the appearance of an egg shell that bounds as a receptacle14. Within the receptacle 14, a growing medium 16 is placed. Seeds 18are placed in the growing medium 16, which germinate to produce plants20. For purposes of discussion herein, “plant” is intended to encompassany growing composition, be it technically plant, flower, etc. Thegrowing medium 16 may be made up of soil and an additive thatfacilitates of stimulates the germination of the seed 18 and growththereof.

The wall 12 has a generally upwardly opening, cup shape with an upperedge 22 that is jagged to simulated the appearance of a broken eggshell. The wall 12 can be made from virtually a limitless number ofdifferent materials, among which are preferred materials such as ceramicand terra cotta. However, the material could be plastic, composite,metal, etc. Alternatively, the wall 12 can be made from differentmaterials that are used to exploit desired properties thereof. As justone example, an insert 24 is shown on the wall 12 to contrast with theremaining portion of the exposed surface 26 of the wall 12. The insert24 might be clear as compared to the remainder of the exposed surface26, or might be reflective, or otherwise eye catching, either by itselfor in coordination with the remainder of the wall 12.

The bottom of the wall 12 has a base assembly 28 to facilitate supportof the container 10 in an operative orientation relative to an upwardlyfacing surface on a subjacent support 30. In this embodiment, the baseassembly 28 consists of a flat at the bottom of the wall 12.

To facilitate drainage, an opening 32 is provided through the baseassembly 28. The opening 32 communicates liquid from within thereceptacle 14 to externally thereof under gravitational force. In thisembodiment, a releasable closure element 34 is applied over the opening32 to effect blocking thereof. The closure element 34 may be made with afixed or flexible shape and may be attached, for example, by an adhesivewhich allows it to be peeled away from the base assembly 28. Aprojecting tab 38 facilitates gripping of the closure element 34 and itspeeling away from the base assembly 28.

The container 10 may be initially made in the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and2. If configured in the “broken egg” shape in FIG. 1 with the jaggededge 22, the receptacle 14 may be covered with a separable barrier layer39 that may be, for example, a conformable film that is frictionallygripped against part of the exposed surface 26 sufficiently to block theescape of the growing medium 16 from the receptacle 14. The film 39 maybe clear to facilitate viewing of the contents of the receptacle 14, asat point of purchase. For convenience and integrity, the barrier layer39 may be wrapped fully around the container 10. In FIG. 3, the barrierlayer 39 is wrapped over the top of the container 10 and extends toslightly above the flat 28 at the bottom of the wall 12. The barrierlayer 39 might have any appearance that makes it appealing, as to aprospective purchaser.

In a modified form of container, Shown at 10′ in FIG. 4, the container10′ has a reconfigurable shape. In this embodiment, the container 10′has a wall 12′ which defines a substantially fully enclosed shape thatsimulates the appearance of an intact egg shell. The wall 12′ bounds areceptacle 14′ within which the growing medium 16 is placed.

The container 12′ is defined by a first part 40 and a second part 42that cooperatively bound the receptacle 14′. The first and second parts40, 42 meet at a separation line 44, that extends continuously aroundthe periphery of the “egg” to produce an exposed, jagged, upper edge 22′on the first part 40, with the second part 42 separated from the firstpart 40.

As shown generically in FIG. 5, the first part 40 and the second part 42on the container 10′ are joined through a connector 46. The second part42 functions as a barrier layer to confine the contents of thereceptacle 14′. The connector 46 may be such that a connectiontherethrough is effected by snap connecting the first and second parts40, 42. The connector 46 may include a separate element that maintainsthe first and second parts 40, 42, together. Alternatively, theconnector may be maintained through frictional engagement between thefirst and second parts 40, 42. As a still further alternative, theconnector 46 may be defined partially or fully by the barrier layer 39which maintains the first and second parts 40, 42 together as a unit. Asa still further alternative, the connector 46 may consist of a frangibleportion 48 extending partially or fully along the extent of theseparation line 44.

By fracturing the frangible portion 48, the second part 42 can beseparated from the first part 40 so as to thereby expose the receptacle14′. The frangible portion 48 may be constructed so that it can befractured in a predetermined manner by a twisting force between thefirst and second parts 40, 42, or by applying an impact force to thesecond part 42. As a further alternative, the first and second parts 40,42 may be separated by a tensile force applied in opposite directions onthe first and second parts 40, 42.

The invention contemplates virtually any way to releasably join thefirst and second parts 40, 42. For example, a water soluble adhesive maybe used to maintain the first and second parts 40, 42 together. Byexposing the connection 46 to water, the frangible portion 48 will“fracture” by melting.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second part 42 may include a separable thirdpart 50, that is releasably joined to the second part 42, through anytype of connector 46′, corresponding to the connector 46, as describedabove. By separating the third part 50, an exposed, jagged edge 22″ isformed on the second part 42, thereby giving the resulting container 10′a still different overall appearance. By selectively removing the secondor third parts 42, 50, a desired configuration for the resultingcontainer 10′ can be selected by the end user.

In the container 10′, an optional fill opening 52 is provided tointroduce the growing medium 16 to the receptacle 14′. This allows thecontainer 10′ to be formed into the FIG. 4 shape, after which thegrowing medium 16 can be introduced through the fill opening 52. Thefill opening 52 may be left exposed or blocked by an appropriate cover54. The cover 54 may be a discrete element. Alternatively, theaforementioned barrier layer 39 may be utilized to cover a substantialareal portion of the exposed surface of the container 10′ or a smallerarea over the fill opening 52 to confine the growing medium 16 in thereceptacle 14′.

In FIG. 6, a further modified form of container is shown at 10″. Thecontainer 10″ consists of a wall 12″ with a first part 40″ defining anupwardly opening receptacle 14″ and a bottom flat 28″. In thisembodiment, a network of separation lines 44″ is provided to allowseparation of a number of discrete parts, identified as A-H. The usercan selectively separate the parts A-H in a predetermined manner alongthe separation lines 44″. For example, the user can break off any one,or a number, of the parts A-H. One possibility is to one-by-one snap offthe parts A-H to arrive at the desired depth of the receptacle 14″ andoverall desired appearance of the resulting container wall 12″. In oneform, the individual parts A-H can be grasped between the user's fingersand snapped off. Connectors of the type previously described are alsocontemplated at each separation line 44″.

The invention contemplates that the receptacles can be defined otherthan by removal of the top of the “egg”. For example, a container 10′″is shown in FIG. 7 consisting of a wall 12′″ in the form of an egg witha bottom flat 28′″ and an opening 56 through which a receptacle 14′″,defined by the wall 12′″, is exposed. The opening 56 is fully bounded bya jagged edge 58 that can be reconfigured by separating wall partsA′-H′, corresponding to the wall parts A-H shown in FIG. 6.

In this embodiment, additional, optional openings 56′, 56″ are alsoshown through the wall 12′″ for purposes of aesthetics. The openings56′, 56″ are fully surrounded by the container wall 12′″.

As shown in FIG. 8, adornment 60 may be integrally formed on the walls12, 12′, 12″, 12′″, at selected locations, or over the entire exposedarea of its container 10′″ to produce a desired visual effect. In thisembodiment, the adornment 60 is raised to add another dimension to theappearance of the container with which the wall 12, 12′, 12″, 12′″ isassociated.

Whereas the base assembly 28, 28′, 28″, 28′″ has been shown on thecontainers 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″ as a flat surface, as shown in FIG. 9, theinvention contemplates virtually any type of integral or separate baseassembly, as shown generically at 28 ^(4x′) with respect to thecontainer 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″.

As shown in FIG. 10, the appearance of the containers 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″can be further enhanced by including an illumination source 62. Theillumination source 62 may be incorporated in virtually a limitlessnumber of different manners. For example, the illumination source 62 mayproject light from within the receptacles 14, 14′, 14″, 14′″ or throughopenings in the walls 12, 12′, 12″, 12′″. Alternatively, theillumination source 62 may be designed to project light through thewalls 12, 12′, 12″, 12′″, as by making all or part of the walls 12, 12′,12″, 12′″ capable of transmitting light through the use oftransparent/translucent materials. As a further alternative, fiberoptics may be incorporated into the walls 12, 12′, 12″, 12′″ to generatevisible light in desired patterns.

As shown in FIG. 11, the invention contemplates sale of a series ofcomponents as a package 64, consisting of any of the containers 10, 10′,10″, 10′″ including the growing medium 16 and seed 18, with adornmentmaterials 66 that allow the end user to alter in a desired manner theappearance of the containers 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″. Accordingly, the enduser has the option of effecting a reconfiguration of the containers 10,10′, 10″, 10′″, as well as customizing adornment on exposed partsthereof. The package 64 integrates the components into a saleable,unitary kit.

The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to beillustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.

The invention being thus described, it will be apparent that the samemay be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be recognized by one skilled in the art areintended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

1. In combination: a container having a first part and a separate secondpart that, when joined together in an initial closed condition, simulatethe appearance of an egg shell bounding a receptacle, said first partand said second part being separable from one another and meeting at aseparation line, said first part having a lagged edge that simulates theappearance of a broken egg shell when the first and second parts areseparated from one another along said separation line to place saidcontainer in an open condition; a growing medium for a plant in thereceptacle; and at least one plant seed mixed with the growing medium inboth said closed and open conditions.
 2. The combination according toclaim 1 wherein the first and second parts are joined through aconnector.
 3. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the firstpart has an associated base assembly for maintaining the first part inan operative orientation, said first part defining an upwardly openingcup shape bounding the receptacle.
 4. The combination according to claim3 wherein the base assembly includes a flat surface to bear upon anupwardly facing surface so as to maintain the first part in theoperative orientation.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The combination according toclaim 1 wherein the container has an opening therein to communicateliquid from within the receptacle gravitationally to a location externalto the receptacle.
 7. The combination according to claim 2 wherein theconnector includes a frangible material.
 8. The combination according toclaim 1 wherein the growing medium includes soil mixed with a plantgrowth stimulator.
 9. The combination according to claim 7 wherein thecontainer is made at least partially from at least one of a ceramicmaterial and terra cotta, and said connector extends partially or fullyalong said separation line between said first and second parts.
 10. Thecombination according to claim 7 wherein the connector can be fracturedby a user applying an impact force to said second part to expose thefirst part jagged edge that simulates a broken egg shell.
 11. Thecombination according to claim 2 wherein said connector can be fracturedby exposing said connector to water.
 12. A planting system comprising abase and a top that, when joined together by a connector, form a closedreceptacle having an ornamental shape, said receptacle containing atleast one plant seed and a plant growing medium that includes soil, saidplant seed being mixed with said soil in said closed receptacle prior toopening thereof, said top being configured to be removed in use byfracturing said connector to open an upper part of said base to form anopen receptacle and allow said plant seed to germinate and produce aplant in said plant growing medium when water is added.
 13. The plantingsystem as set forth in claim 12, wherein said connector is formed of afrangible material that, when broken, provides for removal of the top,said frangible material extending along a separation line between saidbase and said top.
 14. The planting system as set forth in claim 13,wherein said receptacle includes a base having a flat surface to bearupon a horizontal support surface so as to maintain said receptacle inan operative orientation for growth of the plant in said growing medium,an upper edge of said open receptacle defining an upwardly opening cupshape once the top has been removed.
 15. The planting system as setforth in claim 14, wherein said base has an aperture to communicateliquid from within the receptacle gravitationally to a location externalto the receptacle.
 16. The planting system as set forth in claim 12,wherein said system further includes a plurality of plant seedscontained in and mixed with said growing medium within said closedreceptacle.
 17. A planting system comprising: a closed receptacle havingan upright operative position in which the receptacle is supported on ahorizontal support surface, the receptacle including a base having aflat surface that rests on said support surface and an upper part sealedto said base along a separation line by a connector, said connectorincluding a frangible material that extends partially or fully alongsaid separation line and, when fractured, allows said upper part to beremoved from said base to form an open receptacle; at least one plantseed mixed with a growing medium being contained within said closedreceptacle such that, when the upper part of the receptacle has beenremoved by fracturing the frangible material, the plant seed alreadymixed with the growing medium can germinate and grow in said openreceptacle base.
 18. The planting system as set forth in claim 17,wherein an upper edge of said base is lagged and defines an upwardlyopening cup shape once the upper part has been removed.
 19. The plantingsystem as set forth in claim 18, wherein said frangible material isconstructed so that it can be fractured in a predetermined manner. 20.The planting system as set forth in claim 19, wherein the frangiblematerial is an adhesive that maintains the base and the upper parttogether until water is applied.
 21. The planting system as set forth inclaim 19, wherein said frangible material is constructed to be fracturedby a twisting force between the base and the upper part.
 22. Theplanting system as set forth in claim 19, wherein said frangiblematerial is constructed to be fractured by applying an impact force tothe upper part.
 23. The combination as set forth in claim 1, whereinsaid separation line includes a network of separation lines configuredto allow separation of a number of discrete parts of said containeralong said separation lines.
 24. The planting system as set forth inclaim 17, further comprising a network of separation lines configured toallow separation of a number of discrete parts of said base along saidseparation lines.